Massage Therapy for Athletes

Once a luxury associated only with ladies of leisure, massage has become an integral part of training for many athletes. Two important benefits of massage include increased flexibility and reduced pain. And, after a hard day's workout, massage can also provide a sense of relaxation. Some of the techniques used to massage athletes include:

Effleurage—vigorous muscle stroking

Petrissage—kneading and rolling of the muscle

Tapotement—rapid striking of the muscle

Compression—pressure applied over a broad area by pushing down on the muscles with the open palm of the hand

Trigger point therapy—concentrated finger pressure applied to trigger points to relieve the tension in the surrounding area

Trigger points are irritable spots in a muscle that cause pain. They are sometimes referred to as knots.

Not Just a One Shot Deal

Massage is most effective as part of an athlete's total training program, which includes a healthful diet, adequate hydration, proper stretching, and well-designed workouts. Sporadic, post-event massage, such as that available after marathons, does not have much physiological benefit. Studies have shown that light exercise—a brisk walk or easy jog—not a one-time massage, is the best way to speed recovery after a strenuous event.

Do Not Touch

There are situations in which massage would not be appropriate. These include:

Recent injury—Athletes should wait until swelling has subsided and bad bruises have healed before receiving massage.

Circulatory problems—Athletes who suffer from
phlebitis
or other circulatory disorders have fragile veins that can be easily damaged by the direct pressure of massage therapy.

Skin conditions—Athletes should wait until open wounds or contagious skin conditions are resolved before receiving massage.

Bone injury—Athletes with significant trauma to the bones or joints, such as fracture or dislocation, should not have massage therapy.

Other conditions—Athletes with infectious diseases and other conditions may require a gentler form of massage, or may not be able to tolerate treatment at all. In these cases, check with your physician first.

Is Massage for You?

From soothing tired muscles to calming an overworked mind, massage is a potentially useful addition to any athlete's training program.

If you decide to try sports massage, consider this:

The therapist will need to know about your current and past medical conditions and exercise routines.

You will need to undress to a level you feel comfortable with and lie down on a padded table with a sheet draped over your body. The therapist will undrape only the part of your body being massaged.

Do not be discouraged if you do not leave your first session feeling completely loose and pain free. It may take several visits before you feel the benefits.

The cost of a massage varies depending on locality, experience of the therapist, and type of massage. Do your research.

Some insurance plans will cover the cost of a massage that is prescribed by your primary care physician and performed by a licensed therapist. Therefore, it is best to choose a licensed practitioner or get a referral from your doctor. You may need to try several therapists to find the best one for you.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Massage therapy for health purposes: what you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. Available at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/massage/massageintroduction.htm. Updated February 2014. Accessed February 19, 2015.